Radiator fan motor also failed before that. Had it replaced with a new unit.

The biggest problem with the car was the starter/stop for the ignition. For about 3 months, I was using the car, and always worried whether I'd be able to reach home. Car failed to start, then other times, it failed to cut-off the power when I wanted to switch the engine off. Had it checked, the mechanic replaced the starter, and one relay as well.

Air conditioning went bust, went through a period of two months going to the mechanic, and so the car went back and forth. Later, found out that there was a major wiring problem with the car. The starter/stopper issue was also spotted during this time, so it was some kind of a relief. For the wiring alone, spent about RM 400, and added to that another RM 350 for the air conditioning.

Now, have to get both the windshields to be refitted as it is leaking when there is a heavy downpour.

General Comments:

The seats are uncomfortable, though for its age, acceptable.

The only plus point is that when it is pushed past 3000 revs, the power kicks in, and I can take on any car that is between 1300 to 1600 cc, and it is a real joy. It has a very high power to weight ratio, as the car is somewhat light.

Fuel economy is not bad, considering it is now upwards of 25 years.

Bought the car for RM 4800, spent about RM 6000 on it already, so it is not a good investment, and on top of that being my first car.

13th May 2011, 06:50

A lemon in the sense that it was probably not taken care of, but dressed up nicely so that it could be pushed. It's hard to explain to some people, but it is better if one experiences it oneself. A good experience for me, and even now, there are slight niggles with it, but I just have to live with it.

7th Jul 2002, 03:35

30th Aug 2002, 21:51

I own a 1991 model Nissan Sunny EX-Saloon 1.4L. I have driven this car for over a year and comparing it's features and accessories like power mirror, factory door lock, door central lock and power windows for all 4 located at the driver door panel nicely located within reach, comparing with Korean cars today, lose out on many features. The only disadvantage is that old cars tend to have some problems and having a good mechanic helps a lot. I'm not sure about new Nissan's after reading about the bad experiences, but resale values of Nissan cars in Singapore seems to be dropping and many Nissan cars within 3 years old seem to be on sale.

1985 Nissan Sunny SGL 1.5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable and comfortable - if you can find a low-ish mileage model for a decent price, buy it!

Faults:

Tracking tended to be a bit unstable.

General Comments:

I had this car for 11 years and I wish I could have kept it for another 11. It always started and gave me very few problems except for the aforementioned tracking. The boot space was a bit small and a sun-roof would have been nice but these are only very minor gripes. The bodywork held up very well considering that it was never stored in a garage overnight. I sold the car to my brother-in-law who ran the car for another year before it was written off by a wayward lorry on the M60 :( He reckons the solid build of the Sunny saved his life though...

A work colleague actually bought a Sunny 1.5SGL Maxima the same day as I bought mine and his is still going strong, albeit with a lot lower mileage on the clock.

27th Feb 2008, 13:02

My father gave me his Nissan Sunny that he bought new when I was a baby... have to say this was the best car I could possibly learn in. She's been reliable, and also the rust was restricted because of some kind of extra-option coating on the undercarriage so she's in beautiful condition. She's been running since 1985 and is still going strong with 179000 miles on the clock so far. Viva la Nissan Sunny!